Geranium plant #821-(82-116-13)

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Geranium (Pelargonium×hortorum) named #821-(82-116-13) substantially as described herein, characterized as being particularly well adapted to both commercial greenhouse production and garden performance, and as being early flowering and floriferous, self-branching and compact, heat-tolerant and low-light-tolerant.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Geranium(Pelargonium×hortorum) called #821-(82-116-13). The cultivar isparticularly well adapted to both commercial greenhouse production andgarden performance. The cultivar is characterized as being earlyflowering, floriferous, self-branching and compact.

The cultivar was developed from an organized, scientifically designedbreeding program carried out at the Department of Horticulture, ThePennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa. 16802. The breedingprogram was designed to create new geranium genotypes with clear, brightcolors which combined the flowering ability and compactness of Europeancultivars with the heat tolerance, low-light tolerance and excellentgreenhouse production qualities of cultivars developed at Penn State.The pedigree of this cultivar is as follows: ##STR1## The selection wasasexually propagated by cuttings and the reproductions ran true.

With reference to the detailed description of the cultivar whichfollows, the test plant was grown in a glasshouse under full naturallight, at a night temperature of about 58° F., and a day temperature ofabout 68° F. Soilless medium was fertilized with every watering with 200ppm nitrogen from 15-16-17.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The color photograph illustrates the short, branching habit of the plantand the large, showy red flower clusters carried well above the lightlyzoned, densely placed leaves of the variety.

Color readings were taken under incandescent light at 200 foot candlesand color identification was by reference to The Royal HorticulturalSociety Colour Charts, except where common terms of color definition areemployed.

THE PLANT

Classification:

Botanical.--Pelargonium×hortorum.

Tradename.--"#821-(82-116-13)".

Form: Compact, self-branching.

Height: Average 16.0 cm; range 13.0-21.0 cm.

Growth: Freely branching from base; short internodes; stands uprightwith no artificial support.

Leaves:

Size.--Largest measured 6.0 cm long×10.5 cm wide; ratio of length towidth approximately 2:3.

Shape.--Reniform, variously lobed.

Margin.--Crenate.

Texture.--Pubescent; dull.

Color.--Adaxial: Distal: Green 137B. Zone: Greyed-purple 187A overlaidwith green 137B. Proximal: Green 137C. Abaxial: Green 137C.

Ribs and veins.--Palmate venation; veins recessed and prominent.

Petioles.--Length: Up to 6.6 cm long. Color: Green 137C.

Stem:

Internode length.--Up to 1.5 cm long.

Color.--Green 137C.

THE FLOWER

Blooming habit: Continuous.

Inflorescence form: Umbellate.

Inflorescence size: Depends on number of florets; inflorescences often11.0 cm across.

Persistence: Persistent, non-shattering.

Disease resistance: Not known; favorable in outdoor trials.

Lasting quality: Excellent; usually 3 weeks or longer.

Florets:

Number.--Often over 32 per inflorescence.

Form.--Flat to cupped.

Size.--2.5-3.5 cm across open floret.

Petals:

Number.--5-7.

Texture and appearance.--Smooth-edge.

Color.--Upper petals: Adaxial: Distal two-thirds: Red 44A with regularspot red 45B. Proximal one-third: Red 39A with veins red 45B. Base:Small area of white 155D. Abaxial: Red 41A with base white 155D. Lowerpetals: Adaxial: Similar to upper petal adaxial surface with much lesspronounced spot and veins. Abaxial: Similar to upper petal abaxialsurface.

Petaloids:

Number.--1-2.

Shape.--Variable; often misshaped.

Color.--Similar to the color of the petals.

Sepals:

Number.--5-7.

Pedicel.--Length: 1.9-2.9 cm. Color: Green 137C.

Peduncle: Arises from node; opposed to leaf petiole; pubescent.

Length.--Up to 18.2 cm.

Color.--Green 137C.

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

Androecium:

Stamens.--3-8 flat, ribbon-like filaments with rose-purple tips, joinedat their bases; versatile attachments to anthers which are light purpleand well-developed; 2 sizes of orange pollen.

Staminodes.--1-2 flat, ribbon-like filaments with no anthers.

Petaloid stamens.--1-3 petal-like filaments with partially developedanthers.

Gynoecium:

Pistil number.--1.

Length.--6.0-8.5 mm.

Stigma.--4-5-parted; light purple.

Style.--1.0-2.5 mm long; green or purple.

Ovary.--3.0-4.5 mm long; superior; very pubescent.

Fruit.--Achene schizocarp; rarely observed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct cultivar of Geraniumsubstantially as herein shown and described, characterized as beingparticularly well adapted to both commercial greenhouse production aswell as garden performance, and as being early flowering, floriferous,self-branching, compact, heat-tolerant and low-light-tolerant.